Development Misgivings Addessed
In order to allay some of the rumours, fears and misapprehensions which appear to surround the recent planning application lodged for developments at West Park Farm by Aberfeldy, Christine Thomson has addressed a number of points raised with her by Comment.
The site is located just behind the farmhouse at West Park. Renovation of the old steading will provide two self catering cottages. The demolition of the old poultry house and the more modern steading block will provide sites to sell, plus houses to let. In total 10 houses will be built. |
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Bio Security
“Criticism has been made of the demolition of the modern steading but, during talks with the P & K Planning Officers, it became apparent that we had a bio security problem on our hands with the intention of locating the holiday cottages in close proximity to the cattle sheds,” said Christine. “Now a new steading can be built on a secure site where no rights of way pass through (as we have at present).”
Street lighting seems to be one of the misconceptions thrown up by the plans. “The farm roads are unadopted by the council and therefore lighting is not mandatory and has not been included in our designs,” she explained. “Neither are we getting a bus stop on site - which is a pity since I now have a bus pass.”
Affordable Housing
Various comments have been made regarding affordable housing, with some people for and others against. “Very clear guidelines are given regarding this matter and no developer can walk away from the fact that any building complex of more than five houses requires provision of affordable properties or a contribution to affordable housing on another site,” she stressed.
“There is a scale of charges laid down by the local authority, again dependent on the number of houses being erected. It is no secret, you will find it on the web site, that following discussion with the housing officers we are making a contribution of £50,000 into the affordable housing ‘pot’,” she said.
On the wildlife side Christine emphasised that no trees will be felled on the site, so the squirrel colony should be fine. As extensive screening planting is part of the development proposals there will be a net gain in tree cover, she pointed out, adding: “In fact the squirrels might benefit from a few feeders in the new gardens.”
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